Wanda's Picks

Melanin Magic Sessions Take 5: A special series of shows featuring healers who will leave us with tools we can use to strengthen ourselves during a time when isolation is encouraged while the soul cries for communion. Wind & Fire: Honoring the Divine Feminine & Masculine in Africana Religions is the theme for the ADRSA 2020, April 17 Dr. Funlayo (foon-la-yo) E. Wood-Menzies (postdoctoral fellow at UC Santa Barbara) specialist in Ifa-Orisa, Yoruba indigenous religion. She is the founding director of the African and Diasporic Religious Studies Association (ADRSA) and of Ase Ire, an Ifa-Orisa temple and spirituality learning center. Dr. Kyrah (keer-ah) Malika Daniels (Leadership council founding member ADRSA, professor of African and African Diaspora studies and art history, Boston College, specialist in Haitian Vodou and Congo traditions) Stephen Hamilton (conference featured artist,visual artist itanproject.com, specializing in bringing indigenous techniques into his work, art education, African i

We celebrate William Harrison Withers Jr. "Bill Withers," today.  Born in Slab Fork, West Virginia, July 4, 1938 in a family of 13, he the youngest, most people know him as an American singer-songwriter and musician who performed and recorded from 1970 until 1985. He recorded several major hits, including "Ain't No Sunshine", "Grandma's Hands", "Use Me", "Lean on Me", "Lovely Day", and "Just the Two of Us." However, he was so much more and we learn about these other dimensions of a man who stopped recording for 33 years to have a family and a life with that family. The film, "Still Bill," co-directed by friends and colleagues, Damani Baker and Alex Vlack, is a wonderful portrait of this complex man's life from growing up in a coal mining town, to joining the navy to working in the air force making toilets, to fame in his 30s.  I am going to play a little of the audio here this morning following an interview with director, Damani when the film was debuting in a free community screening at the Kabuki Theatre i

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! Today we feature 20 poets who share words of inspiration and hope.  Here is a link to their bios: https://wandasabir.blogspot.com/2020/04/national-poetry-month-special-friday.html We also commemorate Dr. King, on the anniversary weekend of his death, April 4, 1968, a day he was taken from us before we were ready to let him go. I have a few poems from the canon to share. I'd like to start with one by Qwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000), Poet Laureatte

This show is the 4th in a special series of shows featuring healers who will leave us with tools we can use to strengthen ourselves during a time when isolation is encouraged while the soul cries for communion.  1. Wanda K. Whitaker, of Anchored In Spirit, is a certified hypnotherapist, spiritual life coach and visionary artist. She is the former owner of a cause-related marketing consultancy agency, Whitaker & Associates. Her purpose is to awaken people to their Higher Selves and greatest potential. http://www.anchoredinspirit.com/index.html African American Virtual Townhall 11-1 4/2/20 2. Dorsey Nunn, Executive Director, LSPC https://prisonerswithchildren.org/staff-and-board/ 3. Nathan Richardson, SC Publishing joins us to talk about Frederick Douglass-- rescheduled 4. Tajmal Payne, Zuni Designs Concepts, Inc. joins us to talk about Homeless Force Coalition. Oshalla Diane Marcus also joins us. She is Managing Director of Sekhmet Community Acupuncture Clinic in South Richmond.  https://wa

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! This is part three of a special series of shows -- I call Melanin Magic, with healers who will leave us with tools we can use to strengthen ourselves during a time when isolation is encouraged while the soul cries for communion. 

For complete bios visit: https://wandasabir.blogspot.com/2020/03/wandas-picks-radio-show-black-art-and.html 1. Baba Opesanwo Ifakorede Fadairo, Alagbigba Babalawo  2. Queen Hollins is a sovereign being and founder of the Earthlodge Center for Transformation where she practices and teaches earth-based nature medicine and curriculum. To stay connected with Queen and the Earthlodge community sign up at earthlodgecenter.org 3. Dr. V.S. Chochezi and Staajabu, a mother daughter poetry duo, originally from Camden, NJ, have self-published seven books of poetry, one Sci-fi Anthology, produced 2 spoken word CDs and produced many programs in Sacramento.They have made over 600 appearances as featured readers, speakers, presenters, panalists and workshop facilitators. Their writings have appeared in publications too numerous to name.  Dr. V.S. Chochezi, is a college professor, writer, poet, editor, mosaic artist and photojournalist. Staajabu is a writer, editor, producer, poet, health advocate, graphic artist, Air F

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! We have a special series of shows kicking off this morning with healers who will leave us with tools we can use to strengthen ourselves during a time when isolation is encouraged while the soul cries for communion.  1. Michele Elizabeth Lee, author, Working the Roots: Over 400 Years of African American Healing, joins us to talk about how the literal earth is the best medicine.  2. Sister Dr. Bisola Marignay joins us to share wisdom, poetry a

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! We rebroadcast the Tuesday, March 10 interview with the co-curator of Soul of a Movement at the DeYoung Museum. Also on this show is a rebroadcast of the Feb. 14, interviews with Black Joy founder and founders of Black Choreographer Festival, Here and Now. Music: Kahil El Zabar, Black is Back.    

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! In this special broadcast we speak to Lauren Palmor, co-curator of the "Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power" exhibition at the de Young museum through Sunday, March 15, 2020. Visit https://deyoung.famsf.org/exhibitions/soul-of-a-nation                                                      2. We close with a rebroadcast of the Feb. 14 show which includes an interview with Laura Elaine Ellis and Kendra Kimbrough re BCFHN 16 which clo

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1. Tiffany Littlejohn, director, The Perfect Sacrifice. We discuss her film in view of the recently pass Anti-Lynching Bill and https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/35/text 2. Elaine Yau, co-curator, joins us to talk about Rosie Lee Tompkins: A Retrospective through July 19 3. Kelly Savage, California Coalition for Women Prisoners, Drop LWOP Campaign and Rally, Monday, March 9, 2020. Visit https://womenprisoners.org/our-p

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! Today we speak to her Majesty Queen Mother Dowati Desir Hounon Houna II and Yeye Luisah Teis about their spiritual practices and how African Dispora Spirituality is best practice for Diaspora citizen well-being. They are a part of a series of events beginning Wed., March 4, to explore this topic.   

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1. We feature the artist, Chanell Stone, whose work is featured in MoAD's Emerging Artists series. Her work "Natura Negra" closes with a reception and artist panel this weekend, Sunday, March 1, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visit https://www.chanellstone.com/a and https://www.moadsf.org/exhibition/moad-emerging-artists-presents-chanell-stone/ 2. We close with an archived interview with the late Oliver Mtukudzi, (1952-2019) Zimbabwean artist, humanitarian

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! Rebroadcast Cheryl Finley and Liegh Raiford on Blackness & Belonging at BAMPFA in 2019.     

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1. Colette Winlock, Director, Health and Human Resource Education Center. She joins us to talk about The Black Women's Media and Wellness Project magazine: "Crossing the Invisible Line III: Overcoming Depression."  Visit https://www.hhrec.org/ 2. Black Choreographers Festival Here & Now 2020: Raissa Simpson, Jamie Ray Wright, Natalya Shoaf  (rebroadcast) 3. Brother Malcolm's Legacy with Adewale Ige, African studies scholar 4. Mr.

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1. Black Church Productions rebroadcast 2. Black Choreographers Festival Here & Now 2020: Raissa Simpson, Jamie Ray Wright, Natalya Shoaf 3. Brother TurHa Ak, Community Ready Corps, joins us to talk about Black Solidarity Week, Feb. 17-24, 2020  

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1. Interview with Elisha Greenwell, Founder, CEO, Black Joy Parade creator, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020   2. From the Archives  3. Black Choreographers Here and Now, Laura Elaine Ellis and Kendra Kimbrough Barnes 4. Mr. Charles Blatcher, III, Chairman, National Coalition of Black Veteran Organization joins us to talk about General Charles Young ,

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1. We speak to Albert Mazibuko about the late Dr. Joseph Shabalala, founder, Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Archived from March 2013.  2. Dean Doris Brown and Dean Kiel join us to talk about Law Day, May 1, and the fundraiser for the big day, Sunday, Feb.16.  3. We close with Sara Marie Prada and Tami Rossell, two mothers who tell about public school education in Hayward.    

1. Bay Area Musicals present The Full Monty Feb. 15-March 15 at SF Victoria Theatre. ALBERT HODGE (Noah Simmons) an Oakland native, joins us to talk about the play and his role. Rescheduled. 2. Dr. Arletha "Angel" Lands-McTair joins us to talk about The Black Church Production presents: "Only Three Fifths Human" at the Flight Deck, Feb. 16 (6 p.m.) and Feb. 22, 2020 (8 p.m.) 3. Skyler Cooper, an actor and writer, known for "Hero Mars" (2013), "The Grey Area" (2018) and the film "Worthy of Survival," joins us to talk about "A One Man Show" at TheatreFirst opening Feb. 15-Mar. 7 at TheatreFirst at its new Berkeley Location.    

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! Today we speak to Adewale Ige, College of Alameda Scholar in Professor Jody Campbell's African Diaspora History class, about Dr. Carter G. Woodson and African American Heritage Month.  We have a rebroadcast with two-time Grammy winner Todd "Speech" Thomas about the film, 16 Bars: One Jail, One Recording Studio, directed by Sam Bathrick, which opens Fri., Feb. 7- Tues., Feb.13, 2020 in San Francisco at the Four Star. The director will be pr

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! Today we have a special broadcast with two-time Grammy Winner Todd "Speech" Thomas and Sam Bathrick, director, of the film, 16 Bars: One Jail, One Recording Studio which opens nationally Fri., Feb. 7, 2020. In San Francisco the Sam will be at the screening at the Four Star.